Few things in life compare to the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning. But let's be honest—waking up early to mix, knead, and proof dough isn’t exactly an ideal start to the day. That’s where overnight cinnamon rolls come in!
By prepping the dough the night before, you can enjoy warm, fluffy, perfectly spiced cinnamon rolls with minimal effort in the morning. This guide will take you through everything you need to know—from ingredients and preparation to pro tips and mouthwatering variations.
Why Choose Overnight Cinnamon Rolls?
If you've ever craved homemade cinnamon rolls but felt deterred by the lengthy prep time, this recipe is for you. Here’s why overnight cinnamon rolls are a game-changer:
✅ Convenience – Do all the hard work the night before, so your morning is stress-free.
✅ Enhanced Flavor – Slow proofing in the fridge develops a richer, more complex taste.
✅ Perfect Texture – Chilling the dough overnight allows gluten to relax, resulting in a tender, airy texture.
✅ Time-Saving – Wake up, bake, and enjoy freshly made cinnamon rolls in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistibly soft and gooey rolls:
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough – Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough – After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Add the Filling – Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll It Up – Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut Into Rolls – Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange in a Pan – Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring slight spacing between them for expansion.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
- The slow fermentation in the fridge enhances flavor and texture.
Baking Instructions: Fresh Cinnamon Rolls in the Morning!
- Take the Rolls Out of the Fridge – Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake – Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting – While baking, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Frost the Rolls – Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Perfect Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
✔ Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough mix more evenly and rise properly.
✔ Don’t Over-Flour the Dough – Too much flour makes the rolls dense. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
✔ Use Dental Floss to Cut Rolls – This prevents squishing and gives you perfectly round rolls.
✔ Let Them Rise Before Baking – The dough needs at least 30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
✅ Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls – Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling and drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting.
✅ Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls – Add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice to the filling for a cozy fall twist.
✅ Maple Glazed Rolls – Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze using powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk.
✅ Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the filling for an indulgent treat.
Serving & Storing Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Best served warm – Freshly baked cinnamon rolls taste best when warm and gooey!
- Storing Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating Tips – Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Overnight cinnamon rolls are the perfect make-ahead breakfast, offering all the flavor and comfort of homemade rolls without the early morning effort. Whether you're preparing for a holiday brunch or just treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, this recipe guarantees soft, gooey, and flavorful cinnamon rolls every time.
